Three major health bodies in Cyprus have expressed deep concern over the government’s handling of a new bill regulating rehabilitation centres. They warn that the process lacks proper consultation and could damage both patient care and professional independence.

In a joint statement, the Cyprus association of registered speech and language therapists, the Pancyprian association of occupational therapists and the Pancyprian association of physiotherapists said their repeated calls for meaningful dialogue had been ignored. Despite submitting legal opinions and formal suggestions, they say they have not been given enough time or space to take part in the decision-making process.

The organisations say government reassurances that “there is no problem” are unconvincing, especially when legal reviews have already flagged several issues needing clarification.

A meeting with the health ministry has been scheduled for Tuesday. But the stated aim is only to “reassure” professionals, not to reconsider or amend the bill, the statement notes.

This approach, paired with a lack of clear information about the bill’s content and impact, has created a climate of uncertainty. The health groups argue it shows an urgent need for a transparent and structured consultation process.

The statement also highlights a serious omission: their detailed proposals were left out of the information packet shared with MPs. They describe this as an unprecedented oversight that undermines democratic debate and fair representation of all stakeholders.

One provision of the bill refers to the groups by name, but instead of offering protection, it appears to impose overregulation. The professionals fear it would strip them of their independence, forcing them to become employees of large institutions or invest in costly new facilities that most cannot afford.

They stressed the importance of listening to the health experts who work directly in the field of rehabilitation. While they respect the opinions of MPs and officials, they say rushed decisions risk long-term harm.

The three associations are calling on the health ministry to commit to a genuine and legally protected consultation process. They also urge Parliament to pause the bill’s approval until all recommendations have been properly reviewed. Finally, they ask the public to back their campaign for a fair, modern and people-centred approach to rehabilitation care.